Ever since I was a child, I have always loved music
by Beethoven. I used to sneak out of bed
and hide under the dining room table so I could listen to it, whenever my parents
played it on the record player. Beethoven is arguably the greatest composer who
ever lived, and his Ninth and final symphony is universally regarded to be the
greatest piece of music ever written.
The choral is taken from a poem written by a poem written by Friedrich
Schiller in 1785.
The Ninth Symphony premiered on May 7, 1824 in Vienna. The performance was conducted by Michael Umlauf, because by that time Beethoven was completely deaf. He could not hear one note of his extraordinary symphony. Over the years millions, perhaps billions, of people have listened to Ode to Joy, a beautiful composition that the composer could hear only in his head.
The Ninth Symphony premiered on May 7, 1824 in Vienna. The performance was conducted by Michael Umlauf, because by that time Beethoven was completely deaf. He could not hear one note of his extraordinary symphony. Over the years millions, perhaps billions, of people have listened to Ode to Joy, a beautiful composition that the composer could hear only in his head.
This performance of Ode to Joy is wonderful. Imagine living in a city where this could
happen. The video is just slightly over
five minutes long, and I know folks have no patience for things on the internet
that are longer than 45 seconds. But you’re
in for a treat, so pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee – or whatever --- sit
back in your chair and relax. Be sure to
watch it to the very end, not the middle, not almost the end, but the very
end. You will get goosebumps and your
heart will soar with joy – which is what Beethoven intended.
Enjoy! I will
be back soon.
Jo, I still read your posts, just haven't had much to say. Don't give up on blogging, it kinda comes in spurts around our lives.
ReplyDeleteMy fav Beethoven Symphony is No 3 The Eroica but I like the Ninth as well and I will now listen to it ~ best wishes ~ Eddie
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the video and keep on blogging whenever you get the feeling.
ReplyDeleteWell, the Bear is still here! And what a bonus this week!
ReplyDelete1. I love classical music.
2. I love the dynamics of a flash mob!
See you soon, I hope.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting, Life in the Urban Forest (poetry).
I have to agree this was one of the best recordings of the last movement of the 9th that has been done in a few years. I just love how they assemble and the look on the crowds faces especially the young kids.
ReplyDeleteLife's too short to do something you don't want to, especially if it's unremunerated. However, I have no worries that you'll be taking a permanent break from blogging---writing is in your nature.
ReplyDeleteI'm already looking forward to your 2024 blog posts about the magnificent music that will be played at the bicentennial of the Ninth!
I had seen this one before, and I knew what was coming, but I still cried tears of joy (still am) as I watched it. I love the kid who climbed the pole, and I had forgotten how much I love the sound of French horns. Thank you, dear Jo. I'm here, I'll always be here.
ReplyDeleteI'm still reading. I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteI come looking for you even when you don't blog because I imagine there must be some mistake with my notification and surely when I personally check you'll have posted something ;o)
ReplyDeleteYou're right; it gave me chills. Your blog is delightful, and I read it faithfully.
ReplyDeleteJo, I love your blog as well as the comments you make on others' blogs, including my own! I also understand the need to take a break. I've been more quiet than usual the past few months because so much is going on with the family -- illnesses, reunions and the like -- and professionally -- working on book proposals. Sometimes life does intervene. But please know that there are many of us who look for and read your posts with great interest and pleasure. And, in the meantime, thanks for the musical video! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteDunno.
ReplyDeleteMyself, I'm having a fifth. :)
"A Majority of Two" has been included in the A Sunday Drive for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point even more new visitors in your direction.
ReplyDeletehttp://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-sunday-drive_16.html
Wunderbar!
ReplyDeleteIt’s quite a while since I listened to the whole of Beethoven’s Ninth, but this bit has reminded me of what I’m missing.
Thank you so much.
Aren’t fashmobs fun!
It’s good to meet you.
Loved this flash music. Especially liked the reactions of the children!
ReplyDeletewonderful! this was played at our wedding as the resesional 41 years ago. thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteI'd seen this video before Jo but enjoyed it again. I love how everyone is smiling!
ReplyDeleteTake a break, but be sure to come back soon :D
Jo, I hope you are having a lovely summer and have great plans for this long weekend. I miss your musings but completely understand your absence as after numerous tries I have failed to keep up a regular blog.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I just want to wish you well and I hope to see you back here in a few weeks or months.
( AND I hope the damn students next door have vacated!)
hurry back, I miss you
ReplyDeleteOh, that was wonderful and uplifting. Thanks, Jo. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to see a flash mob that I did not despise. Too cheesy or something. You have provided the exception. This was wonderful thanks for sharing. It was sort of the Bolero-ization of Ode to Joy. Lovely piece of music.
ReplyDeleteI read someplace that even though Beethoven could not hear the Ninth, he was supremely good at conducting it because he could experience it through visual cues and vibrations. It was speculated by the author that Beethoven actually experienced the music on a much higher plane than us unfortunate folks who could only hear it!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a very interesting content you have there. Every line i read is just like i open a new world. Please post more often,because this is exactly the type of content i want every day. i promise to visit everyday.
Hello! I still read your blog more than a decade after you wrote it! What I found most relatable, is how when we are little kids, whatever is 'forbidden' is what we want to do. My parents wouldn't have been able to make me listen to Beethoven! Although I would enjoy it now. Hello from 2023.
ReplyDeleteJoaquin from Find Meaning in Adversity